Friendlies can help Republic of Ireland prepare for World Cup campaign

Heimir Hallgrimsson will send his Republic of Ireland side into friendly battle with Senegal on Friday night with one eye on the forthcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Icelander, who is eight games into the role and to date has enjoyed modest success, took up the reins targeting qualification for next summer’s finals, and now has just two matches left in which to finalise his plans.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the talking points surrounding the first of them.

FT | League B status retained! pic.twitter.com/9HCqWcdyjz

— Ireland Football ⚽️